CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

BBC

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department has created files on the  (a) BBC and  (b) BBC Trust since 5 May 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: No new files have been created on the BBC or BBC Trust since 5 May 2010.

BBC

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring forward proposals to allow commercial advertising on BBC channels; if he will discuss that matter with the BBC; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: I have no current plans to allow commercial advertising on the BBC's public channels or to discuss this issue with the BBC.

BBC

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent research his Department has  (a) undertaken and  (b) plans to undertake in the next 18 months on public opinion on the BBC and the licence fee as a means of funding it; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: No recent research has been undertaken on these subjects and there are no current plans to do so.

HEALTH

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many special advisers  (a) he and  (b) each named Minister in his Department (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans to appoint.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) political appointments and  (b) other personal appointments he has made since his appointment; and at what estimated annual cost to the public purse.

Andrew Lansley: One special adviser has been appointed and another will be appointed shortly. Salaries are being finalised in line with Cabinet Office guidance. I have made no other personal appointments. There are no plans for junior ministers to appoint special advisers.